A pulmonologist is a medical doctor that specializes in the treatment of diseases and disorders that affect the respiratory tract. This includes diseases and problems with the lungs, chest and airways. They also treat patients that have sleep disorders. Pulmonologists typically receive patients that have been referred to them by their primary care physician for treatment of problems or disorders that they may be having with their respiratory tract. This can include problems with breathing, airway problems and problems with the lungs. After going through medical history of a patient, pulmonologist will then perform a variety of tests to determine the scope of the problem that the patient is having. This may include imaging the lungs with diagnostic equipment or performing a routine exam. Once the patient has been diagnosed they will come up with a treatment plan for the patient. This may involve the use of oral or inhalant medications, certain types of treatments, oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. If there is a need for surgery, the pulmonologist will refer the patient to a surgeon. They may perform follow ups with patients and update their referring physician on the progress of their disease or dysfunction....Read more